U-joints

[Range]

Just finished replacing pads and rotors. I noticed a slight noise when I put it away in the fall, but when I took it for a road test, I heard a distinct crunching clunk sound when I changed directions. When I checked it closer, calipers were fine but I have some free play in the u-joint closest to the wheel. Has anyone attempted to replace the axle u-joints in their garage? Looks like I will need to disassemble the entire assembly. Any tips, tricks and hints would be appreciated. Should I replace both joints? What about the hub bearing?

 

[vt65]

what year are you driving?

 

[Range]

Eighty-eight Z51

 

[buckhorn76]

i've never been under a c4, but the c2 and c3 are pretty simple. best to replace all four u-joints on the half shafts.

 

[Riley P]

Replaced the u-joint on my truck. Took some heat and a hammer and some trial and error on setting the crush sleeve. I'm sure the u-joints are the same but for setting them up I am clueless. May be worth a trip to see Manny (Dasilva Motorsports). You should give him a call. He'll pin point what you need to do.

 

[CaledoniaBrian]

Hey Range...wish I could be more help to you; If it were me, I would be heading over to see my son and let him do it at his shop..... I have limited resources here, and he knows a lot more than I do.....

Just to help you in your decision making....here is a little article I came across that may be of some use to you.... Good luck

101 Projects for Your Corvette: 1984 To 1996 - Richard Newton - Google Books

Also a little video.........

C4 Corvette Cutaway Ball Joints - YouTube

 

[Range]

Thanks Brian, but that is ball joints, my issue is the u-joints on the rear axel half shafts. I have a pretty well outfitted garage and I think I will give it a go!

 

[buckhorn76]

that's the spirit range !!! don't forget you will need a rear wheel alignment after. do you have a clymer or haynes manual ? they are very helpful. i always use new hardware for re-assembly on any projects. :seeya: doug.

 

[buckhorn76]

here is a very good tutorial on the job you're planning range. the only thing i disagree with is his use of wd40 - it is NOT a penetrating oil merely a water disperser. doug.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=...Lwivw7QOMGUAgPXCQ&sig2=TKb2MgkzZI1rSx_-T9HU2g

 

[Range]

Awesome.....I read the procedure in the manual, this way is perfect....pictures are so nice to have.

 

[buckhorn76]

one thing to keep in mind when raising and lowering the spring ends. put some sort of clamp on the spring to keep the jack from slipping or walking.

 

[Range]

one thing to keep in mind when raising and lowering the spring ends. put some sort of clamp on the spring to keep the jack from slipping or walking.

binder twine or duct tape?

 

[buckhorn76]

binder twine or duct tape?

good enough for nascar.........good enough for me - 100 mph tape - yeehaw y'all

 

[Range]

UPDATE: It is apart....couldn't believe I had to use my impact on the U-joint strap bolts.....they are a 5/16" head. My 30 year old Craftsman deep 6 pt 1/4" drive socket was up to the task!!!! (turned torque setting down...went up incrementally...#4) Now to actually change the joints and re-assemble. I once had to re-install a front driveshaft in thick mud, nothing could be that bad.

 

[Range]

UPDATE: Job complete, success. Hardest part was removing the retaining straps. Going back together was pretty straight-forward. Once I removed the shaft, the inboard joint was toast too. Not worn, but seized....new one has a zerk! Outboard can not accomodate the zerk. Took my time, took about 5 hours. Now that I have done it, plan on doing the other side and hope to do it in 3.

 

[buckhorn76]

glad to hear it. it's not really a bad deal but a hoist would make it a breeze eh !!!

 

[Range]

glad to hear it. it's not really a bad deal but a hoist would make it a breeze eh !!!

Yeah, I have my eye one too......$1000.00

 

[Range]

Had the car up on axle stands, flushed the old brake fluid,.replaced with synthetic DOT3, figured while it was up, I would do the other half shaft u-joints. Great way to spend a Saturday morning.

 

[CCO]

cool -- I'm picking up lots of tips for when my C4 arrives.

I can well imagine how much that job would cost in labour........

Thanks guys,
C.

 

[Riley P]

Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Glad to hear the car is ready to roll!